Park pavilion dedicated

Speciales remember grandson

Mark and Sally Speciale, in front, cut the ribbon to open the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion Saturday at Leon Corlew Park.

Mark and Sally Speciale, in front, cut the ribbon to open the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion Saturday at Leon Corlew Park.

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Mark and Sally Speciale, in front, cut the ribbon to open the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion Saturday at Leon Corlew Park.

Mark and Sally Speciale, in front, cut the ribbon to open the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion Saturday at Leon Corlew Park.

Park pavilion dedicated

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Memorial Day weekend was a fitting backdrop for the opening of the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion at Leon Corlew Park.

On Saturday, Ursch's grandparents, Mark and Sally Speciale, cut the ribbon on the pavilion for which they donated $50,000 while surrounded by family, friends and city officials.

After cutting the ribbon, Mark Speciale said he and his wife - both lifelong Edwardsville residents – wanted to give something back to their hometown.

"Edwardsville is a great community because of the people in it and we're happy to be part of it," he said.

The Speciales wanted to do something in memory of their grandson so they contributed to the new park located behind the Public Safety Building on South Main Street.

"We are happy to have the chance to do our part to give back to the community we call home," Sally Speciale said in a press release. "Edwardsville has a bright and shining future. We wanted our grandson's memory to be a part of that future."

Edwardsville Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison said Corlew Park is one of many in the city driven by contributions from community members and business leaders.

The donation was made through the Better Place to Play Campaign, which has been established to raise funds for current and planned Edwardsville parks.

Leon Corlew Park cost $1.3 million, but Morrison said 95 percent of the total bill has been paid either through donations or grants.

"It's a huge asset for our city. It's very impressive," Morrison said of the park prior to the ribbon cutting. "We re incredibly grateful to them for this contribution."

Corlew Park is a tribute to the those, like the Speciales, who have made it a reality, he said.

"Hats off to the Speciales and all of the donors that turned this property into a bustling community destination," Morrison said in a press release.

To learn more about rentals and reservations of the Nick Ursch Memorial Pavilion or any other park facility, visit www.cityofedwardsville.com or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (618) 692-7538.